Khao Soi, a Northern Thai dish, is a delightful combination of coconut curry, chicken, and noodles. This warming bowl of goodness can be prepared in as little as 15 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
A Brief Introduction to Khao Soi
Khao Soi is a popular soup in Northern Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. This bowl of rich and comforting coconut curry noodle soup is often packed with chicken, but occasionally, you might find it with beef. The soup base is creamy, filled with umami notes from red curry paste, ginger, garlic, and fish sauce. This dish is a perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and hearty, offering a truly satisfying meal.
The Secret to a Flavorful Khao Soi
The secret to a delicious Khao Soi lies in the Thai red curry paste. This paste is responsible for the soup’s rich flavor, making it seem like it has been simmering for hours, even though it only takes 15 minutes. Whether you prepare it on the stove or in an instant pot, the result is a soup that is so addictive it might become a new weeknight staple.
Red Curry Paste: A Flavor Packed Ingredient
Red curry paste is a mixture of dried chili, garlic, lemongrass, shallots, galangal, makrut lime, coriander, and cumin. It forms the base of many Thai dishes and is available both in homemade and store-bought versions. If you decide to make it yourself, all you need to do is soak the dried chilies and pound everything together. However, for a quick and easy fix, a tub of store-bought red curry paste will elevate your cooking game.
Making Khao Soi from Scratch
To make Khao Soi, start by frying the aromatics and curry paste. In a medium-sized pot, heat a bit of oil and fry the ginger and garlic. Once they’re soft, add in the curry paste and continue frying until the oils start to separate. Next, stir in the chicken stock, coconut milk, and chicken, and let everything simmer over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles, then taste the soup and season it with fish sauce and a touch of sugar. Once the chicken is cooked and shredded, serve it in bowls with the noodles, topped with the soup, a squeeze of lime, and some fresh cilantro.
Choosing the Right Noodles for Khao Soi
Traditionally, Khao Soi is made with fresh, chewy Chinese egg noodles, which can be found in the refrigerated aisle of Asian grocery stores. However, other types of noodles such as chow mein noodles, dry egg noodles, instant ramen noodles, fresh ramen noodles, or even spaghetti can be used as well.
Can Khao Soi Be Made without Noodles?
Absolutely! You can make Khao Soi without noodles, and it will still be a delicious coconut curry chicken soup. To add some substance, include root vegetables, leafy greens, or tofu. If you’re following a keto diet, shirataki noodles can be a great substitute.
Cooking Noodles in the Soup: A Big No-No
One essential tip to note is that you should never cook the noodles in the soup. Fresh egg noodles need to be cooked in a large amount of boiling water to cook properly. If you’ve ever experienced slimy, soggy noodles, it’s probably because they were cooked in soup. Egg noodles release a lot of starch into the cooking water, which can alter the soup’s texture and flavor.
An Instant Pot Version of Khao Soi
If you prefer using an instant pot for easy cleanup and no lingering cooking smells, you can follow these simple steps:
- Add chicken stock, coconut milk, red curry paste, garlic, ginger, and chicken to the insert.
- Set the pressure to high and cook for 5 minutes.
- Cook and drain the egg noodles while the Instant Pot is doing its magic.
- Quick release when the Instant Pot is done, remove the chicken, and shred it.
- Season the soup with fish sauce and sugar.
- Assemble by ladling the soup on top of the noodles and chicken. Top with lime wedges and cilantro.
Extra Toppings for Khao Soi
For an extra flavorful experience, consider adding some extra toppings such as:
- Crispy noodles: Crunchy, crispy, nutty, rich deep-fried egg noodles.
- Sliced shallots: Sharp, sweet, and spicy.
- Lime wedges & cilantro: Adds a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Egg ribbons: Simple yet satisfying addition to the noodles.
- Extra chili paste: For those who love a spicy kick.
Dishes to Pair with Khao Soi
Khao Soi is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed on its own. However, if you’re looking for some variety, consider pairing it with Thai Sticky Rice, Spring Rolls, or Larb Moo Thai Pork Salad.